Reverend Stephen A. Owenby
Stewartsville Baptist Church
Laurinburg, NC
Sponsor: Rep. Robin Hayes, (R-NC)
Date of Prayer: 03/02/2006
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual here with us who has dedicated his life to the service of others in his congregation and in his community. Pastor Steve Owenby is a selfless person who continually exemplifies servant leadership. I want to express my appreciation for his witness and the difference he makes in the lives of others each day, and thank him for being here with us to deliver this morning's prayer.
Steve has been married to his loving wife, Donna, for almost 21 years and has three wonderful children, Megan, Josh and Christy.
As a young adult, Steve began his life of service in the United States Air Force where he served 4 years honorably. He later felt called to the ministry and attended Liberty University, where he completed his Master of Theology.
He is currently the Senior Pastor of Stewartsville Baptist Church in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Stewartsville is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and currently has about 800 members. It is a vibrant congregation that has a strong focus on missions, to the credit of Pastor Owenby and his family.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our sovereign Lord, we praise You for the freedom to enter Your heavenly throne room. We deserve not Your favor nor are we worthy of Your grace. All we can ask is, "Forgive us our transgressions, grant us salvation, and guide us in the way of righteousness."
We have prayed, "God bless America!" You have. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God." May we not depend upon our own ingenuity, but in You alone.
I offer thanks for these men and women You have lifted up to serve their fellow countrymen. In James Chapter one, You tell us, "If any lack wisdom, let him ask..." So we ask, "Please grant to these servants the wisdom necessary to carry out Your will for our nation." We ask this in Jesus name and for His sake, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory